Is there someone with experience with regards to traveling from SA to East African region? Specifically with a Patrol... Start Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, back down, Mozambique re-entry. 4 - 6 months time for trip.

The feedback I've received so far from experienced travelers on this route is that I should rather find me a 4.2 1HZ LandCruiser for this trip. It is said that Patrol parts are only available in the major city centers and that breakdowns are likely. Sidewalk mechanics and bush mechanics are apparently less likely to be able to work on a Patrol.

Is there someone that has actually done this trip with a Patrol? What was your impressions and problems?

My car, if I take the Patrol, will by that time possibly be at 150 000 km. Is it nearing the end of the engine life span? Should I replace the injectors and turbo pro-actively prior to the trip to avoid engine issues? How dirty can the zd30's burn ito diesel? I've been told 500ppm?

Speak to Walter Gygax (Kalahari Safari here and on SA4x4), who uses Patrols extensively as a tour guide, Malcolm van Coller (same story) and Wilfred Moore, who has done a similar trip in his 4.5.

To my mind, all modern vehicles have reasonably similar tech. If he can work on a Cruiser, he can work on a Patrol.

And at 150k, it should be barely run in, assuming you have kept the EGT's within limits.

Ek sou more ry, ten spyte dat my kar 22 jaar en 370k km oud is.

I just really wish I could understand what it is about SA men and their Land Cruisers (or any Toyota for that matter). It's like we are trying to get back to the comfortable ride and secure roadholding of the oxwagon...

Veral die deel: "my advice would be to stick with the Toyota as per your research - you will be very hard-pressed to find spares and expertise for a Patrol if anything breaks outside of a major city."
Daar is heel moontlik meer patrols op die pad in van die bogenoemde lande as wat daar in SA is...

Hi Johann. Although its true that the Landcruiser is better supported in Africa, I am sure you will be fine in your Patrol. I have done those countries in my 2001 3.0 and although I experienced a host of problems I always managed get them sorted out. My advice though would to be to travel slowly, poli poli, and it seems you do have the time. Remember too, that if a cruiser has a major break down, they will also only get assistance in the big towns

Johann, exciting trip to plan, will follow your planning here and on the Community forum.

I recall that the Voetspore span, when they used patrol's had them services in Nairobi. It may be a good idea to get that series dvd's, even if only for the dreaming and drooling factor... for more drooling visit the www.pikipikioverland.com blog... friends of mine that travel the world on motorbikes who have already ticked East Africa off their list.